Leavitt Announces Next Move After Leaving White House

Karoline Leavitt may be leaving her position as White House press secretary, but she is not walking away from President Donald Trump or the MAGA movement.

Leavitt confirmed Friday that she will return to MAGA Inc., the powerful Trump-aligned super PAC expected to play a major role in helping Republicans retain control of Congress in November.

Speaking with reporters during her final official trip aboard Air Force One, Leavitt made clear that her departure from the White House will not remove her from national politics.

“You guys will still see me all the time,” Leavitt said.

Her specific position and title at MAGA Inc. have not been announced. However, the organization is familiar territory for Leavitt, who previously served as its spokesperson before joining Trump’s successful 2024 presidential campaign.

She subsequently became the public face of Trump’s second administration, regularly defending the president’s policies from the White House briefing room and during contentious exchanges with members of the press.

MAGA Inc. is expected to become one of the most influential outside organizations in the 2026 midterm elections.

The super PAC reportedly has more than $400 million available, giving Trump’s political operation enormous resources to influence competitive House and Senate races across the country.

Republicans are fighting to protect narrow congressional majorities, while Democrats are hoping to capture the House and use its investigative powers against Trump, his administration and his family.

Leavitt’s return gives MAGA Inc. one of Trump’s most recognizable and effective communicators as it prepares to deploy its massive political war chest.

Her move also allows her to remain firmly inside Trump’s political operation without carrying the demanding daily schedule of a White House press secretary.

Leavitt previously explained that she decided to leave the administration to spend more time with her growing family.

She and her husband, Nicholas Riccio, have two young children, including a daughter born in May. Leavitt returned from maternity leave in July but later made the difficult decision to leave her White House position permanently at the end of August.

“This decision is bittersweet, but one I make with complete peace in my heart, knowing it is what is best for my family,” Leavitt said when announcing her departure.

“I will always remain a vocal advocate for MAGA and the Republican Party,” she added.

President Trump has similarly emphasized that Leavitt’s departure does not represent a political separation.

He said she would continue serving as one of his “top advisers” and remain an “influential voice within the Republican Party.”

Leavitt accompanied Trump to South Carolina on what she described as her final official trip aboard Air Force One as press secretary.

The president traveled to the state to campaign for Sen. Darline Graham as she seeks a full term in the Senate seat previously held by her late brother, Lindsey Graham.

Trump took a moment before boarding the aircraft to recognize Leavitt and express his disappointment that she was leaving the White House.

“I’m going to miss her,” Trump told reporters.

The president also suggested that Leavitt had elevated the press secretary position and generated extraordinary interest from potential successors.

“I will tell you this, and Karoline will tell you this, I have never seen so many job applications in my life,” Trump said.

“She’s made that job very glamorous,” he added.

The White House has not announced who will replace Leavitt behind the podium.

CNN conservative commentator Scott Jennings has been mentioned as a possible contender, along with White House principal deputy press secretary Anna Kelly, Trump aide Natalie Harp and longtime communications official Margo Martin.

Former Trump attorney Alina Habba had also been named in public speculation but denied that she was seeking the position.

Trump has praised Jennings publicly, but Jennings has attempted to downplay reports that he is actively pursuing the job. No final decision has been announced.

Leavitt made history at the beginning of Trump’s second term when she became White House press secretary at 27, making her the youngest person ever to hold the position.

She quickly became one of the administration’s most prominent figures by challenging hostile media narratives and forcefully defending Trump’s agenda.

Her departure will therefore require a significant adjustment for the White House communications operation.

However, unlike many high-profile administration exits, Leavitt is not leaving because of a falling out, policy dispute or internal controversy.

She is moving directly from the White House into an organization created to advance Trump’s political movement and help elect America First Republicans.

After taking a brief break with her family, Leavitt is expected to begin her new responsibilities with MAGA Inc. in September.

Her next chapter will take her away from the White House briefing room, but it will keep her directly involved in Trump’s effort to protect Republican congressional majorities and shape the future of the party.